Wildfires in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil increased by 13.2% in March compared to the same month last year, with 874 fire outbreaks, according to official data.
Compared to February, the number of fires remained stable, based on alerts from the National Institute for Space Research monitoring system.
Most fires in the Amazon biome are linked to deforestation, driven by activities such as illegal mining and illicit timber trade. Climate change has also played a major role, contributing to severe drought conditions—particularly in 2024, when the El Niño intensified dry conditions.
That year, Brazil experienced its worst drought since 1950, with water shortages affecting 58% of the national territory. In the Amazon alone, 140,328 fires were recorded in 2024, a 42% increase from 2023 and the highest figure in 17 years.
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Since Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva returned to power in 2023, the government has allocated 815 million reais (€158 million) to combat deforestation and wildfires. These efforts have led to significant reductions in 70 priority municipalities.
Funding has been used for enforcement actions, technical training, and payments to small farmers for environmental services aimed at protecting the forest.
